International visitors are spending less time in Ireland, but more money.
New figures from the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) show that the length of overnight stays between July and September fell 7%, when compared to the same time last year.
However, revenue was up 10% with visitors spending €2.14 billion.
Nearly 2 million international visitors were in Ireland during the three months, up 1% on the same time last year.
North America was the most valuable market worth €843 million, with visitor numbers up 9%, and the length of overnight stays up 14%.
There was 1% rise in visitors from mainland Europe, but the average length of stay fell 15%.
Meanwhile, visitor numbers from Britain dropped 5%, with the length of stay down 12%.
“Data for the third quarter presents a mixed bag,” said Niall MacCarthy, Chair of ITIC.
“Demand has been very mixed and we’re now heading into the traditionally quieter period,” he added.
The ITIC said capacity constraints, including the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, and soaring costs of business were putting a strain on the industry.
“Business margins are under real pressure,” said Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, CEO of ITIC.
“Data from Fáilte Ireland shows that 64% of tourism and hospitality businesses expect profitability to be down on last year”, he added.
Mr O’Mara Walsh said the recent budget was a disappointing one for tourism.
“As we look forward to the next Government there has to be increased political and economic attention paid to tourism issues,” he said.
“The industry can’t be taken for granted in a highly competitive global sector and we urge all parties to adopt these key asks within their political manifesto,” he added.
Article Source: International tourists spending less time here, more money
